Joppa - Homeless Ministry
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Homeless Ministry
JOPPA is a volunteer-driven, interdenominational, nonprofit organization in Iowa that helps the homeless survive, get housing, and rebuild lives. JOPPA'S MISSION is to create a community of unconditional love, support, and hope for the homeless, as we all work together to end homelessness.
St. Boniface began supporting JOPPA ten years ago. Activities include: Welcome Baskets, Plarn Mats, Sunday Routes, Tiny Home Village, Gift Baskets for Christmas, Memorial Service, and Joppa Resource Center (2326 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA)
The Ministry Team at St. Boniface consists of parishioners who are passionate about sharing the joy of the Gospel to the homeless. SB Homeless Ministry Team consists of: Mark Henderson (Chair), Kathy Masters, Tim Dvorak, Lisette McCracken, and Tom Cross.
Sara Krohnke (Parish Life and Pastoral Care) will continue to serve as Administrative Staff Liaison for Joppa Ministry Team.
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“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me" (Matthew 25:35-36)
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Ways of Engagement
- Homeless Supplies: Joppa lists items needed to meet basic needs. Parishioners can donate items in the marked wooden boxes in the church entryways and the team will deliver them to Joppa.
- Welcome Baskets: They contain basic items as well as things they have wished for, like a coffee maker, toaster, etc. You’re welcome to purchase new ones or donate clean, gently used items to add to the Welcome Baskets. You can volunteer to deliver the baskets too!
- PLARN MATS: Parishioners can collect clean, plastic grocery sacks to crochet “plarn mats” (plastic yarn) from cut bags. You can either do it at home or gather with other parishioners and do it in the parish hall!
- Sunday Routes: Every Sunday, Joppa schedules teams to go out to homeless camps and those newly housed to deliver food and survival supplies. Teams deliver heaters and replace propane tanks on Saturdays. We will coordinate the schedule for you.
- Joppa Tiny Home Village: Joppa is replicating "Community First! Village" (9301 Hog Eye Road, Austin, TX 78724) to help lift 50 homeless individuals off the streets. St. Boniface Parish will continue to contribute to the realization of this project of providing safe and supportive environment to the homeless.
- Homeless Christmas Celebration: Every December, Joppa organizes an Annual Remembrance Service for the homeless. Following this service, Joppa hosts Christmas Celebration for the homeless.
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